Author: oduduwanews

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#EndSARS: Group Seeks Justice For Journalist Killed By Police In Lagos

By Adebayo Miracle

On the 28th of August 2021, it was gathered that MRA which is the Media Rights Agenda filed a law suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria asking the Lagos State Government and authorities of the Police to launch a vivid, transparent, independent investigations free from partiality to the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Pelumi Onifade, a journalist  killed while doing his job during the #ENDSARS protest in 2020.

Late Mr Pelumi Onifade was a 20 year old student at Tai Solarin University of Education, a part two student of department of history in the school which is located at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state. He was working as a reporter under internship at Gboah Tv, a privately owned media organization.

Late Onifade was on the course of performing his duties as a journalist, when he was allegedly shot while taking a covering of the #ENDSARS protest in Lagos for the television on October 24 2020. He was shot, and arrested by the policemen who took him away while bleeding. It was reported that Pelumi Onifade had died in the police custody as the police informed his family a corpse was deposited at the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue in Lagos. His corpse was found at the hospital on October 30, 2020.

In one of the summons filed by a Lagos-based lawyer, Mr Charles  Musa on behalf of the MRA against the (COP) Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General Of Police(IGP), and the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the organization is asking the court to determine if:

Mr. Pelumi Onifade’s shooting and arrest by the agents of the commissioner and IGP on 24th of October 2020 while performing his journalistic duties were nconstitutional and a gross violation to his freedom of expression and fundamental rights as guaranteed by section 33,35 and 39 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and articles 4, 5 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights ( Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws of the federation 2004;

Mr Pelumi Onifade’s death in the Police custody regarded as extrajudicial killing and infringement of his fundamental rights as guaranteed by section 33,35 and 39 of the constitution and Articles 4,5 and 9 of the African Charter; and if the police have an obligation to investigate the death of Onifade Pelumi as a journalist exercising his right to freedom of expression, having regard to the provisions of section 33 and 39 of the constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African charter;

By virtues of the section 33 and 39 of the Constitution, Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter, section 15,18 and 21 of the Coroner system Law of Lagos state, the government of the Lagos state has an obligation to conduct a coroner’s inquest procedure to discover the cause of the death of Onifade; and

Regarding the provisions of Section 33,35,39 and 46(1) of the constitution and Articles 4,5 and 9of the African charter, the court can direct the Police and the government of Lagos state to investigate the harassment, shooting, arrest and death of Onifade while in the custody of agents of the commissioner and the IGP.

According to the report, the MRA stated that in the events, all these questions were resolved in its favour, as an organization incorporated under the companies and Allied Matters Act, with a mission to promote freedom of expression and the press and the right of access to information in Nigeria, it is entitled, among other things, to various orders by the court directing the Police and the Lagos state government to launch a transparent, impartial and independent investigation into the circumstances of Onifade’s death; to conduct a Coroner’s inquest procedure to ascertain cause of his death as well as for them to accordingly identify and Prosecute those responsible for his death.

The MRA is also praying the court direct the defendants to identify and also prosecute all those involved and responsible for the death of Mr Pelumi ONifade.

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30th Anniversary: Osun to honour Akande, Pst. Adeboye, Gen. Akinrinade, Elebuibon, Alakija, 23 others

As part of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, the government has unveiled plans to honour 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, while addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, on the imperatives of the anniversary celebration.

According to Akinola, the celebration, which began last week with the Governor featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions, will on Thursday, September 9, feature an anniversary colloquium fielding high-profile resource persons like Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), Dr. Reuben Abati (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity), Dr Yemi Farounbi (former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines), among others.

According to Akinola, the anniversary colloquium will be a hybrid event, organised both in the physical and virtual spheres, adding that the decision was necessary because of the peculiarity of the season.

“This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the illustrious struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and also an opportunity to catalogue milestones recorded in the journey so far.

“The objective of the colloquium, among others, is to discuss the developmental strides in the State of Osun since creation, the roles played by actors till date, key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights”, he said.

Akinola added that the anniversary colloquium will be followed by a State Banquet and Award ceremony at a date to be determined, for some distinguished citizens in recognition of exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the State and humanity in general.

The awardee, totalling 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contribution to the global and local society.

“Both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of Osun were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.

“It is our conviction that this will serve as inspiration to others to contribute to the progress of the State”, Akinola said.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, include: Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are: Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The state, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees include: Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include: Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji, and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.

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Lekan Salami Stadium unveiling: Alaafin, Olubadan not stopped from entering- Oyo Govt

The Government of Oyo State, on Thursday, explained that two first class monarchs, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, were not stopped from entering the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex during the unveiling of its main bowl on Wednesday.

The government, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said that the two foremost royal fathers were too important to the state government to be prevented from attending the event, to which they had been duly invited.

According to the statement, the inability of the monarchs to gain access into the main bowl was because of the huge enthusiastic crowd that swarmed on the stadium and obstructed the movement of the monarchs’ convoys to the designated VVIP Drop Off zone, which was the easiest channel to their reserved seats.

“What happened was that security operatives advised that the drivers of the revered monarchs make their way through another gate, since their convoys were unable to access the VVIP Drop Off Zone from the gate they entered through.
“From the VVIP Drop Off Zone, it would be easy for the monarchs to access the VVIP box without meandering through the stairs, as that would have unduly stressed them given their age.” the statement said.

It added that seats of the monarchs were already reserved, and that the government valued their presence, saying: “It is unthinkable that some individuals would try to create a wedge between the palaces of the respective monarchs and the state government, which holds them in high esteem.”

The statement noted that all other monarchs who were inside the VVIP box including the Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Aseyin of Iseyin, the Okere of Saki, the Olu of Igboora were well recognized, stating that “this was an evidence that the government places huge premium of respect on the stools of our forebears as occupied by the Kabiyesis.

“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde wishes to categorically state that the Alaafin and the Olubadan were well-expected at the event and that their seats were reserved.

“The government frowns on reports indicating that the convoys of the revered monarchs were not treated accordingly and would take appropriate steps to correct any untoward indication,” the statement added.
The statement, however, cautioned fake news mongers, whom it said were seeking avenues to punctuate the glorious event at the Lekan Salami Stadium by circulating bad news.

“For instance, some online reports claimed that the Aseyin of Iseyin was not allowed entry. That is very far from the truth. The Aseyin was inside the stadium and he stayed throughout the event.

“It is instructive that the Kabiyesi has come out to clarify that falsehood and also adduce reasons, which could have been responsible for the inability of the Alaafin of Oyo and Olubadan of Ibadanland to gain access into the Stadium.
“Some of the mischief makers also alleged that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja boycotted the event and this too, is a big lie, as the Osi Olubadan attended and gave a goodwill message at the event.

“We can only advise mischief makers and fake news carriers to stop their ploys, as no antic would work against the good intentions of the governor and the positive impact that the remodelling of the once-neglected Lekan Salami Stadium has made on Oyo State.”

The governor’s media aide equally described attempts to rubbish the stadium project by some opposition elements as misguided, stating that the claim that only the stadium cost N5 billion was untrue and mischievous.

He maintained that the amount being touted was for the cost of fixing the entire sports complex, which is in phases.
“Some critics have attempted to blow the cost of fixing the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba out of proportion, especially in view of the water that logged on sections of the pitch due to heavy rain.

“Let it be placed on record that the main bowl of the stadium was only the first phase of the entire project which comes in phases. There is the main bowl, the gymnasium and indoor sports hall for a variety of sporting activities, a world class Tennis court as well as the luxury apartments which will be given out on annual subscription.
“Besides, the pitch as seen on Wednesday is work in progress, because the contractor has not handed over the project to the state government. The contractor had explained that the pitch needed three more months to fully solidify so that the automatic drainage system would become fully functional.

“But the unveiling had to be done to ensure that our darling Shooting Stars Sports Club returns to Ibadan, having been forced to play their matches outside the state for so long owing to absence of a good pitch in Ibadan.
“The contractor has given his assurance to address the challenges of the pitch and by the time the works are completed, Oyo State would definitely have the value for its money, which has always been the priority and intention of Governor Makinde.”

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Lagos Court Freezes Jailed Ex-Bank PHB MD, Atuche’s N19.1bn

Justice Lateefat Okunnu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, has ordered the freezing of the assets and funds to the tune of N19, 178, 253,050 belonging to a convicted former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Francis Atuche.

The Judge gave the order on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on August 17, 2021.

The funds, investigation showed, were domiciled in 24 different banks in Nigeria, including Citi Bank Limited; Ecobank Nigeria Limited; First Bank of Nigeria Plc; First City Monument Bank (FCMB); Globus Bank Limited; Fidelity Bank Plc; Keystone Bank Limited; Lotus Bank Limited and Mainstreet Bank Plc.

Others are: Polaris Bank Plc; Platinum Mortgage Bank Limited; Providus Bank Limited; Stanbic IBTC Nigeria Limited; Standard Chartered Bank; Sterling Bank Plc; Wema Bank Plc; Zenith Bank Plc; Unity Bank Plc; Titan Trust Bank Limited, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and others.

Moving the application, counsel to the EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, told the court that 15 persons as well as 22 firms were used by Atuche and his co-respondent, Ugo Anyanwu, a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, to launder the funds.

Pinheiro listed the individuals to include Anthony Atuche, Emeka Patrick Atuche, Paul Okobi, Felix Oyiana, Moruf Kazeem Adisa, Olatunji Abiodun, Daniel Enebeli, Aina Olugbenga, Augustine Nwabueze, Omonua Benedict, Oliver King Nduaaron, Dr. Chris Ike Ogbechie, Mr. Murat Bektaslar, Attah Omataikpo Olukemi and Thomas Etuh.

The EFCC counsel further stated that the firms, in which Atuche has either direct or indirect interest are: Aqua Harvest Limited, Hubmart Stores Limited, Hubmart Limited, Sapphire Capital Management Limited, Homeland Real Estate Company Limited, Malechi Foods Limited, Homeland Meridian Partners Limited, Promise Investment Limited and Temple Cottage Hotel Limited.

Others are: Wegas Properties Project Limited, Buckhead Construction Limited, Claremount Management Services Limited, Afco Associates Limited, Platinum Capital Limited, Ghazali Yakubu Investment Limited, The Financial (Services) Company Limited, Venture Resources Limited, Elizabeth-A Company Limited, Signature Partners Limited, Purplepay Technologies Limited, Oakwood Asset Management Limited and Conesto Nigeria Limited.

Justice Okunnu granted the 12 prayers of the applicant and held that “An order is made restraining the 1st defendant (Atuche) whether by himself, or acting through the persons or entities listed or such other persons including but not limited to his family members or agents, from removing, alienating, disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of assets, proceeds of economic and financial crimes or otherwise in the name of the 1st defendant.”

The Judge also held that “the assets or funds included those held indirectly by or for Atuche’s benefit, whether solely or jointly held, that are located in Nigeria or worldwide.”

Justice Okunnu further ordered the freezing of any bank account being run and operated by Atuche “personally or jointly, whether in his personal name or otherwise or with the Bank Verification Number (BVN) 22295357230 in any of the respondent banks to the tune of N19, 178, 253, 050 billion, pursuant to the Restitution Order made by this Honourable Court on June 16, 2021.”

Atuche and his privies, including his lawyers, were also barred from presenting to the above listed banks “any mandate or instruction for the withdrawal of any money and/or funds standing to the credit of any of their accounts to the tune of N19, 178, 253. 050 billion.”

Justice Okunnu, who also restrained the banks from honouring any such instruction from Atuche and his privies, further held that “ A mandatory order of injunction is made directing the named respondent banks to file within 48 hours of service of this Order of this Honourable Court on them returns of the Statements of Account of the 1st Defendant (personally or jointly) whether in his personal name or otherwise or with the Bank Verification Number: 22295357230 and the accounts of persons and entities listed in the afore mentioned Schedules A and B maintained with them.

“A further order is made directing service of the Order made herein on persons affected thereby including, in particular, the persons and entities listed in Schedules A and B. by way of advertisement in either The Punch or Thisday or The Guardian newspaper.”

Justice Okunnu had, in June this year, sentenced Atuche to six years imprisonment and Anyanwu four years for stealing and conspiracy to steal to the tune of N25.7bn.

The judge, while sentencing the duo, had ordered them to make a restitution of the sum of N25.7bn to the Federal Government to replace the funds stolen from the public to bail out the bank.

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Ooni Implores FG To End Doctors’ Strike As Public Health Inaugurated In Southwest

The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has charged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to end the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), without further delay.

Ooni Ogunwusi made the call on Thursday at his Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, during the inauguration of the SouthWest Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Public Health Delivery, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

Describing the strike action as highly unfortunate, the Ooni who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, noted that health workers are essential service providers who should not abandon their duty posts no matter what what.

“I am aware of your relentless efforts towards ending the strike as quick as possible but Nigerians cannot wait any further. The strike action has brought a lot of hardships to Nigerians especially the poor and other vulnerable persons who cannot afford privately owned health facilities which obviously is now the alternative.” Ooni admonished.

Speaking further on roles of traditional rulers in efficient Public Health delivery, Ooni Ogunwusi noted that the relevance of Kings and chiefs across the country particularly can be attested to by their roles in the fight against Ebola virus disease, polio and others.

“We are the closest to our people, palaces have no door and that is why it is easy for information to reach all of our subjects immediately we send them. They believe us so much too by the virtue of our tradition and we are upholding these good traits.

“The newly inaugurated Southwest Traditional Leaders’ Commitee on PHC Delivery is indeed going to formalize the enormous works of traditional rulers across Yoruba land and I can assure you that Nigerians are going to benefit immensely from this initiative.” The Ooni added.

In his response, The Minister of Health promised that efforts would be doubled to ensure that the current industrial action being embarked upon by health workers would be brought to an end.

“This is a time when we face different challenges in the health sector due to the adverse effect of Covid-19, it is not the best time for doctors to be going on strike. We are working to ensure that they resume soonest and I want to assure Nigerians that this would be achieved very soon.” The Minister said.

While inaugurating the committee, Dr. Ehanire explained that in providing quality health services to Nigerians as priority of the President Buhari-led administration, the government recognizes the indispensable roles of traditional rulers.

“As a takeoff plan, I wish to promise that a standard Primary Health Centre will be built and made functional each in all states across the SouthWest as a model and the location would be decided by this commitee.

“The facility will be equiped with standard Staff Quarters, Solar-Powered Borehole, a Keke Ambulance and other basic facilities. We are proud to be working with you and we hope to achieve a lot together.” The Minister added.

In his speech, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, called for more support from Nigerians, particularly the traditional institution.

“We are aware of your might as leaders and we want you to support you with this in order for us to serve Nigerians better. You did it in creation of awareness against Polio virus till we swept it off the shores of Nigeria and even now with Covid-19, it is evident that you can do it again.” Dr. Faisal said.

In the same vein, the country Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Peter Hawkins pledged the organization’s commitment quality public health delivery in Nigeria especially in the areas of routine immunization for the children and other vital areas.

The event which was attended by health experts and political leaders across the country including representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Rotary among others, equally played host to traditional rulers across Yoruba land including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Soliu Adetunji, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi among others.

The Ooni rounded it off with the presentation of symbolic artworks to the Minister and representatives of UNICEF, WHO and others.

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Young boys arrested for driving expensive sport car in Lagos

A video circulating on social media has revealed that some police officers arresting two young boys driving an expensive sport car in Lagos State.

The officers who were about six in numbers had double-crossed the sports car In traffic and stoped them. After asking the two men to get down out of the car, they were bundled into the Police vehicle used to block the young boys sport car.

Details later.

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Green Africa Airways Welcomed Into Ondo By Gov Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Monday welcomed a new Airline, Green Africa Airways, into the state as it made its first Lagos-Akure commercial flight.

Governor Akeredolu welcomed the new Airline to the state at the Akure Airport alongside his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Samuel Aderoboye; Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, and other members of the State Executive Council among other dignitaries.

Arakunrin Akeredolu expressed delight at the commencement of the Airline operations in the sunshine state, stressing that it will boost the economy growth of the state.

The Governor said with the new airline, the state now has access to three airlines with different routes from Akure to Lagos and Abuja.

He said: “We are looking at increasing accessibility of the air flight. Now we have three and it is a thing of joy. We welcome you with open arms.

“As you know, air transportation is one of the most lucrative businesses but we know your limitations. Your services would assist in boasting the economic growth of our state.

“Your Services are needed at this time. We want our investors to feel safe while coming to Akure. When we started our investment drive, investors would drive from Lagos to Akure and spend five hours on the road while coming and same going back. They don’t ever come back again. But with this facility, in 45 minutes, you are here and another 45 minute you are back.”

While assuring of his administration’s commitment to more economic development, the Governor said the Airport terminal under construction will be completed before December.

He said investors will appreciate to come into the state with the accessibility to the airlines, adding that hospitality facilities are also coming up in the state with the Big Hotels that are under construction at various areas in the State capital.

Governor Akeredolu, who described the Green Africa Airline as a notable player in the aviation industry in the country, urged the Founder, Babawande Afolabi, to also fly the Akure-Abuja route.

In his remark, Afolabi said the goal of the airline is to make air travel accessible to everyone and contribute to the economic development of Ondo State.

“We do hope that we open Ondo State. We look forward to a great future,” He said.

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Atiku Is A Bad Market, He Will Waste Our Ticket In 2023, PDP Group Claims

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, under the aegis of PDP Action 2023, has appealed to the party to avoid repeating the mistake of wasting its Presidential ticket on former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

The group made the appeal in a statement titled, “Atiku Should Not Waste PDP Ticket Again,” signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Rufus Omeire, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Omeire said, “The PDP Action 2023 warns once again, that to give Atiku Abubakar another chance as PDP Presidential Candidate is to ensure a clear defeat for PDP in 2023, and admonishes the former Vice-President of Nigeria not to deceive PDP members a second time.

“In our last Press Statement, we frowned at Atiku for abandoning PDP members by running away to live in Dubai, after the elections, shielding himself from PDP members, only for him to resurface now that the Presidential primaries are at hand.

“In his response, we are surprised Atiku claimed that his absence from Nigeria for so long was to acquire a Degree from Cambridge University.

“On the contrary, the entire country is aware that he relocated to Dubai, where he even had his highly advertised COVID Vaccination even before the vaccine was available to ordinary Nigerians.”

The group further said, “It is disingenuous for Atiku to claim that he was in school in Cambridge, London when he actually lived in Dubai.

“If he enrolled in University of Cambridge, for a part time course, he could have as well done the programme from Nigeria.”

Attempts to get a response from the Media Office of the former Vice President were futile. Calls to the mobile telephone number of the Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe indicated that it was switched off.
A response to a text message sent to him was still being awaited as at the time of filing this report.

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Nobody Denied Me, Alaafin and Olubadan Entrance To Lekan Salami Stadium – Aseyin

The Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Dr. Abdganiy Salawudeen Adekunle Oloogunebi (Ajinese 1) has reacted to a report in some online media platforms that claimed that security men denied him, Alaafin of Oyo and Olubadan of Ibadan entry into the stadium during the commissioning and ceremonial football competition that held on Wednesday.

The monarch said he got into the stadium and witnessed the events alongside other traditional rulers and dignitaries invited for the commissioning ceremony.

Oba Adekunle hinted that although there was overzealousness displayed by the security men at the entrance of the stadium, but it was expected, looking at the number of crowd that besieged the event center at Adamasingba and the space created for people to pass into the main bowl of the facility.

He said the number of security was expected as many would have attended the event with the mind to rob and cause havoc and would only be checked from entering the stadium by such fierce force of the security.

Aseyin said Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji decided to turn back at the gate because of the crowd of miscreants that wanted to force their ways into the stadium.

“I would not know why somebody would say I was turned back by security men, I attended the event and was ushered in, although the entrance was rough due to mammoth crowd of miscreants that wanted to force their ways in and the way they were resisted by the police and other security agencies.

“Baba Alaafin and Olubadan are not of my age, you cannot expect them to withstand such rigor and that is why they turned back and went home, people should learn to draw a line between politics and good governance, the project is not for Seyi Makinde but the whole of Oyo State to be proud of, we should rather appreciate the governor for doing what many others have failed to do overtime.”

The commissioning ceremony of the re-modelled Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba was witnessed by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, the Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu and his Edo State counterpart, Governor Godwin Obaseki as well as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick.

Also present at the unveiling was the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja and a former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.

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6,810 Lagosians have benefitted from conditional cash transfer – FG

The Federal Government on Saturday recommenced the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme in Lagos State.

Flaging-off the 5th and 6th Bi-Monthly payment in Lagos State, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Yetunde Arobieke, said that 6,810 persons/households had benefited from the programme since inception.

Mrs Arobieke said the CCT supported the poor and vulnerable to improve consumption, with the aim of reducing poverty, preventing vulnerable households from falling further down the poverty line and building their resilience to withstand shocks.

”The programme is to facilitate the transfer of N5,000 per month to beneficiaries, which is paid on bi-monthly bases (every two months), with payment given to all eligible households selected from the National Social Register (NSR).

”The livelihood component of this programme is fundamentally aimed at enabling beneficiaries to establish a sustainable means of livelihood.

”A total number of 6,810 beneficiaries from six targeted LGAs (Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Island and Badagry) have been benefitting from the Conditional Cash Transfer programme in Lagos State since its implementation,” she said.

The commissioner, who is the State Focal Person on the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), said that Lagos State was among the 34 states benefitting from the programme, due to the effort, support and inspiration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

She said that Mr Sanwo-Olu supported State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU) established the Register of Poor and Vulnerable Households in the state, provided office space and the required staff for State Cash Transfer Unit to carry out its activities.

According to her, major benefits of the programme is capacity building, which is built at all tiers to enhance empowerment of beneficiaries’ household to be self-reliant.

”The training is carried out at three tiers; officers at the state level and local government level are trained, who in turn cascade the training to the beneficiaries in their communities.

”Beneficiaries are trained on Life Skill and Savings Group Mobilisation and Micro Business Development (SGMB), which is targeted at enabling the beneficiaries to save and form cooperative groups.

”The training enables them to make financial plans and engage in viable business activities within their communities to strengthen their livelihood activities by contributing their share to the state and national economy,” she said.

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